The visit to this Sri Karukathamman Temple at Mamallapuram, close to Valayankuttai and Pidari Rathas, was a Part of Mamallapuram Heritage Visit under the title “Known Mamallapuram, Unknown places - தெரிந்த மாமல்லபுரம், தெரியாத இடங்கள்” organised by Sastra & Chithiram Pesuthada Groups.
Moolavar : Sri Karkathamman
Some of the salient features of this temple are…
The temple is facing east with Simha Vahana, balipeedam and Trishul under the mandapam. Dwarapalakis are at the entrance of sanctum sanctorum. Amman is in Sitting posture with abhaya varada hastam. Images of Amman’s various forms are in the koshtam.
In Praharam, Selva Vinayagar, Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniar, Nagars, Thulabaram and Navagrahas, on a round lotus pedestal.
ARCHITECTURE
The temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, and open maha mandapam. The sanctum sanctorum is on a upanam, about 3 feet high on the floor and constructed with Stone up to prastaram. A 3 tier Salakara stucco Vimanam is on the sanctum sanctorum with 5 Kalasas. Stucco images of Amman’s Various forms are on the Vimanam.
Stucco images of Karukathamman, Ardhanareeswarar, Vinayagaar, Valli Devasena Subramaniar, Mahavishnu as Ananda sayanar, Amman’s various avatars like, Kali, Mahishamardini etc, are on the hara ( Parapet wall ) of the mandapam. Two stone elephants are in the mandapam. The Pillars are constructed as per Pallava style.
HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS
It is believed the temple is 300 to 400 years old and the present structure may belongs to 150 to 200 years.
LEGENDS
It is believed that Amman will save the foetus from mother’s womb till the safe delivery. Hence this temple is treated on par with the Thirukarugavur Sri Garbarakshambigai Temple Near Kumbakonam. A ritual is followed at the temple with lemon for 3 consecutive pournami days. The lemon is given to Childless woman as a Prasad.
Devotees will do the Thulabaram, after their wishes are fulfilled. ie, offering, equal to the weight of baby, Mother & Baby etc, to the temple. Some Devotees will do the circumambulation of the sanctum sanctorum with the neem leaves dress as a prayer. There are many stories that this Karukathamman had done miracles to Childless women.
Since the temple is on the periphery limit of Mamallapuram, it is believed that this Sri Karukathamman also called as Ellai Pidari, Kaval Deivam and will save from Natural calamity, deceases, evil sprits etc,.
It is further believed that Amman will be calm for 6 months and furious look for 6 months.
POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS
Apart from regular poojas, special poojas are conducted on Fridays, Pournami ( Full moon days ), Amavasya ( New moon days ) days, Maha Shivaratri, Navaratri ( a 10 days festival ) and annual celebration in Aadi month.
TEMPLE TIMINGS
The temple will be kept opened between 07.00 hrs to 12.00 hrs and 16.00 hrs to 20.00 hrs.
CONTACT DETAILS
Treasurer +919444244813, Secretary +919841950260 and Grama Nattar +91 9840742826 may be contacted for further details.
HOW TO REACH
The temple is on the north end of Mamallapuram, UNESCO Heritage site near Valayankuttai Ratham and Pidari Rathas.
The temple is about 500 Meters from Mamallapuram Bus Stand, 15.6 KM from Thiruporur, 23 KM from Kelambakkam, 28 KM from Chengalpattu, 48 KM from Tambaram and 56 KM from Chennai Central.
Nearest Railway station is Chengalpattu.
LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE
--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---
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